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If you're a visionary leader with a love for making a difference, this role is your chance to have a lasting impact on our community.
Job Description
As the CDO, you’ll be at the helm of a transformative fundraising program, driving efforts to raise $5 million plus annually while spearheading an exciting 4-year, $12 million capital campaign. You’ll lead a talented team of development professionals and work hand-in-hand with branch leaders to create a thriving culture of philanthropy that will empower the Y to reach new heights.
This isn’t just about hitting goals—it’s about inspiring others to believe in the Y’s mission and rallying them around our bold vision for the future. You’ll collaborate closely with the leadership team to craft innovative, long-term strategies that fuel growth and ensure the YMCA’s impact for generations to come.
As part of our senior management team, you’ll report directly to the CEO and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organization. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and passion, this is the perfect opportunity to make a meaningful difference!
Why you should join us:
The YMCA offers a supportive and dynamic work environment that encourages personal and professional growth. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a range of benefits designed to support your overall well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy as an employee:
· Impactful Work: Make a meaningful difference in your community every day.
· Supportive Environment: Thrive in a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.
· Competitive Compensation: Salary reflective of your skill and experience.
· Relocation Support: Comprehensive relocation assistance to help ease your transition.
· Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive plans to ensure you and your family can receive the care you need.
· Wellness Programs: Y membership for you and your family to support your physical and mental health.
· Retirement Plans to Secure your Financial Future: The Y will contribute 10% of your salary into the Y’s retirement savings plan. You also have the option to make additional contributions to the Y’s 403(b) and ROTH plans.
· Work-Life Balance: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
· Flexible Work Arrangements: Opportunities for flexible scheduling.
· Training and Development: Access to professional development programs, workshops, and certifications.
· Inclusive Environment: A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensuring all employees feel valued.
Qualifications
The ideal Chief Development Officer is an experienced, results-driven fundraiser with a passion for impact.
· Experienced Leader: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree and CFRE certification preferred. 10+ years of success leading fundraising efforts in nonprofits with a $10M+ fundraising budget. Proven ability to secure six-figure grants and funding from diverse sources. Led annual campaigns exceeding $5M and successfully managed capital campaigns.
· Team Leadership: Strong track record of managing and motivating high-performing teams. Foster a culture of creativity and teamwork.
· Donor Engagement: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to inspire donors and partners.
· Strategic Thinker: Strong leadership and strategic thinking skills, with a knack for solving complex problems.
· Relationship Builder: Proven ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with board members, branch leaders and stakeholders across multiple locations.
· Excellent Communicator: Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of inspiring and engaging diverse stakeholders.
· Tech-Savvy: Skilled in using fundraising software and managing donor databases for optimal results.
· Innovative Thinking: Strategic and creative in developing successful fundraising strategies.
· Mission Commitment: Passionate about the YMCA’s mission and dedicated to creating an inclusive environment.
Essential Functions
Strategic Leadership:
· Collaborate with the leadership team to establish and implement fundraising plans, priorities, and policies that align with the YMCA's mission and vision.
· Develop both short- and long-term fundraising goals through annual campaigns, capital campaigns, special initiatives, and government funding.
· Set department objectives, benchmarks, and metrics to track progress toward goals.
Major Gifts and Donor Management:
· Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and support the CEO, leadership volunteers, and branch executives in cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
· Develop strategy and implement in collaboration with branch executives for branch board recruitment, fundraising appeals, events, and provide training to ensure fundraising success.
· Support the CEO in managing key donor relationships and engage senior staff and Board members in fundraising efforts.
Board Engagement:
· Actively engage the Board of Directors in fundraising initiatives.
· Facilitate the Board Development Committee and ensure fundraising messaging is consistent with the Y's brand.
· Explore and maintain relationships with new partners.
Community Engagement and Public Relations:
· Serve as a lead ambassador for the Y, increasing its profile among individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
· Implement a plan to enhance the consistency, reach, and impact of Y's messaging to current and prospective donors.
Capital Campaign Leadership:
· Lead the capital campaign, setting strategic priorities and fundraising targets.
· Cultivate relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and foundations to secure lead gifts.
· Oversee campaign progress, ensuring goals and deadlines are met.
Budget and Resource Management:
· Oversee and manage the department's operating budget and resources to meet fundraising goals.
· Ensure the financial, technical, and human resources needed for fundraising success are in place.
Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies
Mission Advancement: Incorporates the Y's mission and values into the organization's vision and strategies. Ensures community engagement; promotes the global nature of the Y. Leads a culture of volunteerism ensuring engagement, inclusion, and ownership. Leads a culture of philanthropy.
Collaboration: Advocates for and institutionalizes inclusion and diversity throughout the organization. Initiates the development of relationships with influential leaders to impact and strengthen the community. Is recognized as an inspirational community leader who navigates complex political and social circles with ease. Communicates to engage and inspire people within and outside the YMCA. Ensures that a talent management system is in place and executed effectively.
Operational Effectiveness: Possesses penetrating insight and strong strategic and critical thinking skills. Invests resources in well-designed innovation initiatives. Creates a structure to deliver organization-wide results to achieve objectives. Develops and implements stewardship strategies. Determines benchmarks and ensures appropriate leadership to meet objectives.
Personal Growth: Creates a learning organization. Effectively drives change by leveraging resources and creating alignment to expand organizational opportunities. Shares authority and demonstrates courage and humility. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.